Caring for family members with dementia — which is on the rise in the U.S. — causes significant emotional and physical stress that increases caregivers’ risk of depression, anxiety and death. A method presented in one study for coping with that stress by teaching people how to focus on positive emotions reduced their anxiety and depression after six weeks. It also resulted in better self-reported physical health and positive attitudes toward caregiving.
Dr. Holland’s Mental Health Tips
Caregiver study focuses on the challenges of caring for a partner
“This study is a reminder to step back and look at what your partner is coping with, to learn about their health conditions, to be conscious of it on a daily basis, and for grown children and clinicians to do the same,” she says. “Having that awareness, and helping one another manage health problems while watching for signs of depression, may help both members of a couple over time.”
Poor sleep and job stress even more toxic than predicted
Every job situation will come with varying degrees of stress and frustration that ebb and flow. Burnout, however, is more than that. It is an all-encompassing feeling that you are being pulled in every direction at once and that no matter what you do, you are unable to make progress or move forward. If chronic burnout is left untreated, it can lead to issues with physical and mental health.
Companion Pets Help to Ease Symptoms of Grief
Researchers found all individuals who lost their spouse experienced higher levels of depression. However, people without a pet experienced more significant increases in depressive symptoms and higher loneliness than those who had pets. In fact, those who had a pet and experienced the death or divorce of their spouse were no lonelier than older adults who didn’t experience one of those events.
The many mental health benefits of therapy pets
Most people love dogs, and there’s many good reasons for that. Whether you own a dog or just love the idea of a dog, there are many psychological benefits associated with having a canine companion in your life. Numerous research studies help to point out that dogs improve their human companion’s mental and emotional and physical health in some surprising ways, and at every stage of our lives.
Can early therapy improve lifelong cognitive function?
New study indicates that poor mental health may take its toll on cognition. With up to 20 percent of the population suffering from depression it’s important to recognize its role in cognitive aging, While most studies have pointed to its association in later life, this study shows that depression in early adulthood may lead to lower cognition 10 years later and to cognitive decline in old age.